McCain gets ready for more National service

The McManus-owned Clan Royal finished a heroic second to Amberleigh House in 2004 and remains favourite in the ante-post lists to go one better, even though Jonjo O'Neill's stable has been shut since Boxing Day due to illness.

Reports suggest the powerful 10-year-old will run again before the big day, but several horses at the head of the weights seem far less certain to make it to Aintree.

Smith has dangled a carrot for connections of Grey Abbey, who looks nicely treated despite topweight of 11st 12lb after his runaway win in Cheltenham's Pillar Chase, but trainer Howard Johnson's comments suggest punters should tread warily.

"The ground is key," he said. "If he doesn't go for the Gold Cup he might go to Aintree, but the softer it is the better for him." Last year's Gold Cup runnerup Sir Rembrandt (11st 10lb) also has Cheltenham on his agenda, but the 2002 National winner Bindaree (11st) and the 2003 winner Monty's Pass (11st 3lb) are both set to return to Aintree.

The game Welsh National and Becher Chase winner Silver Birch (10st 9lb) could bid to advertise his claims at Wincanton next week according to Paul Nicholls, while Martin Pipe matches O'Neill with a 14-strong entry including last year's third Lord Atterbury (10st 3lb) and the Hennessy Gold Cup winner Celestial Gold (11st 5lb).

The Pipe team also includes Seebald (11st 8lb), who will be seeking a famous local success for Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman, though the Manchester City stars will be busy with a home clash against their former club Liverpool on National day unless the game is rearranged for television.

Meanwhile, a record entry of 152 has provided a major headache for connections of several proven Aintree performers who could be ballotted out if more than 40 horses stand their ground.

Kim Bailey's Longshanks will need almost 40 withdrawals to get a run in the famous race, as will Supreme Glory, who has lost his way since finishing second behind Monty's Pass in 2003.